Markapuram
Markapuram | |
|---|---|
Town | |
Chennakesava Temple, Markapuram | |
| Coordinates: 15°44′N 79°16′E / 15.73°N 79.26°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District | Prakasam |
| Government | |
| • Body | Markapuram |
| Area | |
• Total | 22.85 km2 (8.82 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 145 m (476 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 71,092 |
| • Rank | 11th (Towns in AP) |
| • Density | 3,100/km2 (8,100/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Telugu |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 523316 |
| telephone code | +91–8596 |
| Vehicle registration | AP |
| Website | Markapuram Municipality |
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Markapuram is a town in Prakasam district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a municipality and is the headquarters of Markapuram Municipality in Markapuram revenue division. Markapuram is notable for the Chennakesava Swamy Temple, built by King Sri Krishnadevaraya. During Ratha Yatra (Tirunalla in Telugu) there occurs a popular carnival; the town is also famous for Chenna Kesavaswamy (Saptavahana Seva) on the day of Rathsapthami, which is attended by thousands of people coming from different parts of the state. It is the second-largest town in Prakasam district after Ongole and it is the main place within West Prakasam district to avail all facilities.
Markapuram was formerly a part of Kurnool District, serving as the east gate of Rayalaseema. The town is close to the Nallamala Hills and currently has a population of approximately 75,000. Markapuram is known for slate manufacturing industries.
On 3 September 2020, Markapuram received a historically heavy rainfall measuring 227mm. Due to this weather event, the partially-depleted ground water level increased significantly, leading to a marked decrease in local drought conditions.